| In this day and age when so many of our | | | | Makers mark - each manufacturer has a unique |
| products are mass produced in the far east it is | | | | mark. For example the mark for Broadway |
| good to know that we can still make high quality | | | | Silversmiths is B&Co. |
| luxury goods in the country of origin. In the UK | | | | The Standard mark - indicated that the silver is at |
| sterling silver is still produced in the traditional way | | | | least 925 parts in 1000 and is represented by an |
| and stamped with a hallmark to prove its origin | | | | anchor. |
| and silver content. | | | | The Assay Office mark - each item is tested and |
| Hallmarks were introduced in the late 18th century | | | | stamped with the hallmark at independent |
| as a dual benefit to guarantee that the | | | | government run offices in Birmingham, London, |
| manufacturer is producing real sterling silver on | | | | Sheffield and Edinburgh. The Birmingham mark is a |
| each and every piece and to protect the | | | | lion. |
| purchaser. | | | | The Date mark - a single letter indicates the year |
| Sterling silver, sometimes called solid silver, must | | | | (since the year 1773) in which the product was |
| have a precious metal content of 925 parts in | | | | hallmarked. Obviously since we have a maximum |
| 1000 and be independently and formally assessed | | | | of 26 letters the form of it changes - capitals, |
| as so. Every piece of sterling silver in stamped | | | | small letters and different fonts. |
| with an independent hallmark. | | | | Ensure that if you purchase any UK sterling silver |
| How to read a sterling silver hallmark | | | | quality tableware or gift that it has this |
| Each hallmark consist of 4 marks or symbols:- | | | | information present. |